Chapter 38 - COLLISIONS

The Sixth Sense was alive with laughter, music, and clinking glasses. Rory sat at a corner table, dressed to the nines, a handsome young man beside her, laughing at something he said. She looked radiant, carefree, and… happy.Adeline had wandered here without really thinking, hoping the familiar dim lighting and the low hum of chatter would help her clear her restless mind. Tossing in bed hadn't worked—her thoughts kept circling Donovan, Selena, and the suffocating weight of the life she had chosen.She nearly stumbled into the doorway when her eyes caught Rory. "Rory?" she called softly.Rory's face lit up in surprise, and she stood quickly. "Adel! I didn't expect to see you here.""I… I needed air. Some space," Adeline admitted, slipping into the seat opposite Rory. The music and chatter faded into the background as the two friends talked.They walked through their past misunderstandings, the jealousy, the guilt, and regrets. Adeline shared the turmoil of her life with Donovan—the danger, the blood, the constant fear—but also the moments of love, trust, and loyalty that kept her tethered to him. Rory listened, her earlier judgments dissolving into understanding."I get it now," Rory said, her hand brushing against Adeline's. "I see why you stay, why you do what you do. I'm… proud of you, Adel."Adeline smiled, a heaviness lifting off her chest. "Thanks, Rory. That means more than you know."They hugged briefly, a silent acknowledgment of their restored bond, before Adeline excused herself. The night had grown colder, and she needed to return home.But the estate felt different when she arrived. The front door was slightly ajar, a chill running down her spine. She stepped inside cautiously, her heart hammering.From the living room came a sight that stopped her in her tracks. Selena, smooth and deliberate, was draped against Donovan. And then she saw it—Selena's lips pressed to his in a slow, possessive kiss.Adeline's stomach dropped. Rage, jealousy, and helplessness collided in a storm. "Donovan!" she shouted, her voice trembling.Donovan pulled away immediately—but only enough to meet her gaze. His dark eyes, calm but stormy, locked on hers. "Adeline… it's not what you think."She shook her head, anger rising. "Not what I think? I just walked in and saw you—kissing her! You promised me, Donovan. You promised!"Selena smirked, sliding to the side, but it didn't matter. Adeline's gaze never left Donovan."Adel…" Donovan's voice was low, commanding, warning. "She's testing me. She always will. But you… you are mine, and only mine."Adeline's hands shook as she stepped closer, voice still sharp. "I don't care about her tests! I saw what you did!"He closed the distance, wrapping her in his arms, his lips brushing hers in a dark, possessive kiss. "And you always will. You are mine, Adel. Only mine. No one touches me like that—no one."Adeline's anger didn't dissipate entirely, but the possessive strength of Donovan's embrace grounded her. The shadows of Selena's presence lingered, but Donovan's dark reassurance made one thing clear: she belonged to him, and he to her, even in a world that thrived on danger, desire, and doom